Nawanda R. Smith-Woods

Nawanda R. Smith was born July 25, 1963, in El Dorado, Arkansas to Johnny Smith and Fern Redden-Benson. Nawanda departed this life on September 17, 2019, at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado, AR.

She was a 1981 graduate of Marion High School and received her Master’s degree from Northeast Louisiana University as a licensed Social Worker.

She accepted Christ at an early age and united with St. Andrews A.M.E. Church in Huttig, AR. Her family later moved to Marion, La and she became a member of Mt. Union Baptist Church-Marion, LA. and later moved back to Arkansas and joined St. James Baptist Church-El Dorado. Her final destination was at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully as an usher.

Nawanda entered the workforce as a licensed social worker for several years. She had a passion and concern for people.

Her joyful moments were fellowshipping with her family and friends, serving as a member of the Self-Culture club, Coach for the Special Olympics, member of Daughter’s of Destiny Women Ministry.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Rev. Aubrey Redden and Sis Essieleen Redden, Father: Johnny Smith, Stepfather: Woodie Benson and grandson Braiden Daniel.

She leaves her cherished memories to her mother; Fern Benson, Huttig, AR, Daughters; LaKalshanee (Andrew) Woods, El Dorado, AR and Janise Dismuke, Pine Bluff, AR, Sisters; Carol (Jones) Wayne, Marion, LA and Gladys Gilbert, El Dorado, AR; Grandchildren; Cincere Woods, Aiden Daniel and Caiden Daniel and a host of nephews, nieces , cousins, extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.